Today my daughter signed up for Nellie’s Club at school. It is an off shoot of the Nellie’s Catwalk 4 Kids, a non-profit organization started by Jenelle “Nellie” Krumlauf when she was 16. Nellie’s Catwalk 4 Kids focuses on helping children and teenagers battling cancer. A former student started Nellie’s Club here and has been working to expand the club into other area high schools. It is her dream to continue the expansion throughout Ohio and other states.

When I was in high school, I was in Surf Club. I am not sure what we were suppose to do since we were in Ohio and a few hundred miles from any real surfing. One meeting we did change the name of our club to Serf Club and elected our feudal lord. I remember going sledding with the club and having my Flexible Flyer sled stolen. This was not exactly a club that would teach leadership skills, impress a college, or contribute to the community.

I am proud of my daughter for choosing to be a member of a club that has a purpose and plan: to raise funds and awareness for fighting childhood cancer. Sometimes I get on her case about not being able to read a clock; turns out about 70% of the freshman can’t do this. However, she and many of her generation show more desire to help others, more discipline to get school work completed, and more dedication to friends, family, and neighbors than I ever demonstrated.

Every manager wants someone who shows initiative, takes risks, and contributes to the company in a positive manner. The freshman experience keeps showing us that all can achieve success.